Are You Kidding Me?

I missed a print audition yesterday because my agent never called  me.  Actually,  an intern at the agency never called me because I don't even know who my agent is at that agency anymore.  At the end of the day, I came home to a nice little email detailing an audition I had that day, with a new casting director no less.  Ironically the email read, "Sorry for the late notice!"  Are you kidding me?  Totally unacceptable.

Apparently, it's just what I needed to pick up the phone and do a little bitching. 

Let me explain, lest I sound totally apathetic to the whole situation thus far.  I had a great print agent at this agency once upon a time.  I loved her.  She hand picked me, pitched her qualifications and I signed.  In the first two months I was with her, I booked twice and had three avails!  She memorized lists of casting directors who already knew me and my work.  She pitched me.  She came to my little theatre show.   She even called me once from the hospital to make sure I had all the info I needed for a job!  She was awesome. 

Two months later...well, I don't know know what happened.  If walls could talk.  My agent became very sick and was in the hospital for some time.  I sent flowers and emails.  I don't know what she was battling, but when she came back her office was gone and things got ugly.  I insisted she receive her commissions, but I don't know if she did.  I found myself in the curious position of writing her a glowing recommendation.  I hope, eventually, she ends up somewhere great and rebuilds her client base.   

I was soon informed that I was one of the "good" clients, and that the agency was "keeping me" on the roster.  I thought eventually I would team up with my original agent but that hasn't worked out yet and I didn't get any bites from a targeted mailing for new representation, so I became apathetic to the whole situation and schlepped to my one audition every two or three months, because hey, it was an audition and I had several more avails, so I wanted to hang onto that extra nugget of potential money.

2008 arrived and I was determined to set things straight or walk.  I emailed my supposed agents -- supposed because I've never met them and I've only ever talked to interns at the agency because they are "so busy"--and asked if they could spare 10 minutes for a face to face meeting.  We'd never met.  I had new headshots.  I'd been a proven money maker.  But I wanted to know if the print division had any priority at the agency anymore before I spent a ton of money updating my profiles.   A few weeks passed.  I sent an email again.  Nothing.  What did I expect?

Obviously, I don't care enough to disguise my disdain in this blog.  I demanded that I talk to my agent yesterday and let him know that it was unacceptable to not receive a call for an audition.  I was put on hold while some poor intern probably received a lashing and then was put on the phone to apologize for his error.  I told him mistakes happen.  I told my agent that he needed to get me in for an appointment the next day if they were still casting and that he needed to let the casting director know that my no-show was their error.  He then says, "I've been meaning to contact you about that meeting you wanted to set up.  Has anyone from our office done that yet?" 

Right. 

I want my old agent back.  Can you do anything about that?

--Stacey Jackson

Comments

[susan]

That must be so frustrating. It took me about three years of regularly being called by my manager before he was finally like "Hey - why don't we meet?" (something I had been pushing for since Day 1). Any agent that doesn't meet with his clients... I just do not get it. It sucks that you had someone great that slipped mysteriously down the drain, but you'll get another. Maybe you can track her down for a recommendation? Or, maybe keep chipping away at this agency (although I could understand if you were fed up and exhausted) and push for that meeting.

I'm trying to find a way to "meet" one of the agents that has started sending me out - I already met her partner but I'd like to meet her and I'm not sure how to ask. I guess I just ASK, huh? I don't know why - but it's no scary for me. In fact, when dropping off a holiday card at the office, their assistant stopped by the desk to get messages and I wanted to introduce myself to him, but refrained since he seemed busy and I didn't want to interfere.

But now, of course, I am kicking myself for not saying hello.

Anyway - good luck. It'll work out.

[Justine]

Sorry to hear, that sux. It sounds like if they are smart they should be utilizing you better. I'd say from now on try phone rather than email as it seems they do not respond to emails. I hope you get the face-to-face meeting & better communication and follow-up from now on. If not, keep doing mailings in the hopes of finding someone new.

[Stacey Jackson]

Oh, you guys are so right. Why IS it so hard to pick up a phone or walk into your agent's office and say hello? For weeks I had a post-it on my computer saying "CALL PRINT AGENCY" and I never did. A lot of agents communicate by email, so I try that route because it seems less invasive. If I catch them when they're busy, they don't have to read my email right away or give me an abrupt brush off on the phone. But...it's also not effective. I have a meeeting scheduled at the end of the week, but I doubt it will be worth my time. Nothing is ever perfect, eh?